KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 14 (Bernama) -- ImmunoScape Pte Ltd, a Singapore-based biotech spin-out backed by Amgen Ventures and EDBi, has signed an exclusive in-licensing agreement with Cue Biopharma Inc to develop a new class of T cell receptor (TCR)-based immunotherapies targeting solid tumours.
The collaboration gives ImmunoScape access to Cue Biopharma’s clinical-stage Immuno-STAT molecules in oncology, which will be combined with ImmunoScape’s precision TCR therapies to create a “Seed-and-Boost” approach, according to a statement.
The strategy involves engineering a patient’s T cells with tumour-specific TCRs (Seed), followed by administration of TCR-matching Immuno-STAT molecules (Boost) carrying interleukin-2, enabling potent tumour-targeting T cell expansion while minimising systemic toxicity.
ImmunoScape's first programme targets the WT1 antigen, expressed in multiple solid tumours including lung, pancreatic, colorectal, ovarian, gastric, melanoma, and head and neck cancers, as well as certain haematologic malignancies. Preclinical studies conducted in Singapore have shown promising results, supporting IND-enabling studies with clinical trials expected to begin by 2027.
The Seed-and-Boost platform is modular and may enhance existing autologous and in vivo T cell therapies, aiming to deliver safe, effective and patient-friendly cancer treatments. Clinical programmes will also consider cancer and immune types relevant to Asian populations.
As part of its expansion, ImmunoScape announced new appointments to strengthen its leadership. Cue Biopharma President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Usman “Oz” Azam, and an immunotherapy expert, Dr Adrian Bot, have joined the board of directors. Dr Pamela Munster, a medical oncologist and director of early-stage oncology clinical trials at UCSF, has joined the Scientific Advisory Board.
The new leadership and strategic partnership with Cue Biopharma will support its mission to advance next-generation cancer immunotherapies and improve outcomes for patients with difficult-to-treat solid tumours.
-- BERNAMA
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